Durham, N.C. – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously voted to appoint Interim County Manager Claudia Hager to fill the position as permanent County Manager. Hager will be sworn in officially on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Board’s next regular meeting.
In announcing the appointment, Chair Nida Allam said, “We are filled with joy. During her outstanding tenure with Durham County, Claudia Hager has twice stepped in to bridge the leadership gap when she’s been called on. She is a talented, seasoned public administrator who will continue to lead Durham County Government to the next level!”
In accepting the appointment, Hager said, “I was honored and humbled when the County Commissioners asked me to consider stepping in permanently as County Manager and provide continuity in leadership during this period. I want to thank them for entrusting me with this opportunity to help lead this wonderful organization. I am grateful for my 2,200 colleagues, the employees of this great organization, who keep this organization strong. Thank you in advance for your continued support as we work together to support our commissioners, residents, businesses, and the entire community. Again, I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve and lead. I will save additional remarks for next week's swearing-in ceremony.”
Hager also served as Interim County Manager from May 2021 to March 2022. Prior to her recent appointment, she served as Deputy County Manager, overseeing Durham County Financial Affairs, a portfolio that includes Finance, Grants Administration, and Budget and Management Services.
Hager comes to the role with more than 29 years of progressive experience, including having worked 14 years with Durham County Government. Her work experience prior to Durham County Government includes serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Process Improvement at North Carolina Central University and as Associate Vice President for Finance for the University of North Carolina – General Administration. Her career also includes serving as a Program Coordinator and Policy Analyst with the North Carolina Partnership for Children. Recently, Hager was honored by the Triangle Business Journal as a 2023 Women in Business Award winner as a Leader in Finance.
Hager earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics, with a minor in Finance from Winston-Salem State University. She completed her Master of Public Administration from North Carolina State University. She is a Class IV Graduate of Leadership North Carolina. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
For more information about this announcement, email the Durham County Public Information Office at publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.
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